Chamber Event Raises Money for Scholarships

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce will hold a fundraiser on Friday night that provides a chance for West Chester school district students to win scholarships as well as attendees to win $10,000.

“This is our eighth year doing the event,” said chamber president Mark Yoder.  “It’s a fun Friday night out.  Over the years we’ve raised over $30,000 for scholarships to West Chester students.”

Every year, the chamber gives out six scholarships from the organization’s education fund. 

“We give a scholarship to one student from each high school,” Yoder said.  “We also give another three scholarships to one student from each high school that attends one of the technical schools.”

Yoder added, “We look for students that demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, and we look for kids that are engaged and contribute to the community.”

Past winners include a student that started his own t-shirt company, and another student who had an interest in nutritional science.

“We also partner our winners with a mentor from the local business community,” Yoder said.  “We had a student who had an interest in auto collision repair.  He worked with the owner of Grand Sport Auto, and when he was done with school they hired him.”

Proceeds from Friday’s “10 Grand” Event help fund these scholarships.

“We sell 200, $200 tickets to the event,” Yoder said.  “That way each attendee has a 1-200 chance of winning $10,000.”

The event will also include drawing for smaller prizes including a chance to win a $500 gift card and full golf membership to Apple Cross Country Club.

Tickets for the even are still available, and they can be purchased by calling 610-696-4046.

The event will be held on Friday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Penn Oaks Country Club.